At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers were killed and many more injured while battling a massive wildfire in Turkey’s Eskisehir province on Wednesday, according to the forestry minister.
Five forestry workers and five members of the AKUT rescue team died trying to contain the blaze. Fourteen others were hospitalized due to smoke exposure.
This brings the nationwide wildfire death toll this year to 13, as fires continue to spread amid strong winds, heat, and dry conditions.
The minister said a sudden wind shift trapped the workers. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Currently, firefighters are tackling seven wildfires across Turkey. Authorities warn of worsening conditions due to rising temperatures and shifting winds, urging all citizens to stay alert.
